Raleigh city leaders are considering a juvenile curfew and other public-safety measures after an estimated 8,000 young people gathered in the Briar Creek and Glenwood South areas during Fourth of July celebrations. According to Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, there were four shootings, 29 arrests, the recovery of 11 firearms, and multiple juvenile petitions filed after the gathering. Boyce told city council members that while police anticipated large crowds, officers were unprepared for the number of firearms encountered during the event. He proposed a curfew for those age 17 and younger, backpack restrictions, and expanded youth-focused programming. Mayor Janet Cowell indicated the council appears receptive to pursuing a curfew ordinance, although the formal process could take until August. Police also plan to increase social media monitoring, coordinate with businesses, and deploy targeted staffing in response to future events. Read on for more criminal law news.
Governor Stein vetoes homeless camping ban. On Wednesday, Governor Josh Stein vetoed legislation that would have prohibited homeless camping and public sleeping on public property throughout North Carolina. The bill would have allowed private citizens to sue local governments that failed to enforce the prohibition and would have permitted municipalities to create designated camping areas, provided they were located away from businesses and residential neighborhoods. In his veto message, Stein criticized the proposal as a “poorly constructed bill” that creates an unfunded mandate that fails to address the root causes of homelessness. He also objected to provisions establishing drug-free zones around shelters, arguing the bill could discourage individuals from seeking treatment and hinder organizations attempting to provide assistance. Supporters of the bill contend the measure would help move people from encampments and into housing and supportive services. Republicans may attempt an override, and current vote totals suggest the outcome could depend on support from a small number of Democratic lawmakers.
Former Wisconsin judge avoids prison after obstruction conviction. Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was fined $5,000 this week and avoided prison time after being convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents. A federal jury convicted Dugan last year of obstruction, a felony carrying a potential five-year prison sentence, for directing an undocumented person appearing before her to leave the courtroom through a side door after learning federal agents were waiting in the hallway to arrest him. Federal sentencing guidelines reportedly called for a term of 15 to 21 months imprisonment, but U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman concluded prison was unnecessary, distinguishing the case from traditional public-corruption prosecutions. Dugan, who has resigned from the bench, told the court she had been unfairly portrayed as both a hero and a criminal and maintained she was simply trying to fulfill her duties as a judge. The Justice Department criticized the sentence and stated it was reviewing its options.
Coach charged in football player’s death. A former Bucknell University strength and conditioning coach has been charged with the 2024 death of freshman football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. State Prosecutors in Pennsylvania allege coach Mark Kulbis knowingly subjected Dickey to an intense workout despite being aware that the athlete had sickle-cell trait, a condition that can increase the risk of serious injury during extreme exertion. An autopsy found his death resulted from the exercises, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and complications related to his medical condition. Kulbis has been charged with felony aggravated hazing, misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors contend Kulbis received training regarding sickle-cell trait and anti-hazing standards but disregarded that information. Bucknell University stated it has cooperated with investigators but declined further comment due to the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings.
Remote witness. Two California teenagers may face charges after Waymo employees monitoring live interior camera feeds observed what they believed was gunfire from inside one of the company’s autonomous vehicles on Monday afternoon. The passengers, ages 14 and 15, were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting an Orbeez gun from the robotaxi while traveling through San Mateo. After contacting police, Waymo remotely stopped the vehicle and reportedly told the occupants it was experiencing mechanical problems while officers moved into position. Police conducted what they described as a high-risk stop before determining the weapon was a toy gun that fired water-filled pellets rather than a firearm. The teenagers were released to their parents, though investigators are seeking review of possible violations, including an open-container offense.
